Aibu to think this leaves me with less than minimum wage

[Wonderingaboutpay]

Posting for traffic, posted in money matters.
I was being paid £7.65 p/h before the minimum wage increased. My employer has now increased my pay to £7.83 as per the new minimum wage. My employer has a uniform policy that requires me to wear a top bearing the company logo, black or navy trousers and black shoes with a black sole. I’ve worked there for two years and they have only ever provided me with two tops which, as I work 5 days a week I have to ‘wash one, wear one’ (an updated uniform was introduced last year but although they took note of my size, I never got issued anything new) Others in the company are being provided with trousers but I’ve not been (even though I’ve asked for some) and everyone is expected to buy their own work shoes. So, my question is, if I’m expected to pay for my own trousers and shoes but I’m being paid the minimum wage, is this effectively reducing my wage to below the minimum and if so what (if anything) can/should I do about it?

I've always had to buy my own trousers and shoes, has anyone asked if you get a clothing allowance, I claim it back on my tax form.

I would be more annoyed that I had previously been paid 15p over minimum wage but was now earning only minimum wage. Everywhere I've ever worked I've had to provide my own trousers and shoes, unless you require specific safety wear I would've thought that was standard

Do they provide uniform shoes? Do they provide specific uniform trousers? If so request them. Continuously until they are provided.

However if the uniform is "uniform top with black trousers and black shoes" then surely you knew that when taking on the job and decided to take it anyways?

Everyone who works needs shoes, except possibly lifeguards, so its hardly a surprise that footwear would need to be worn.

Yes that is something that is deemed to affect whether you are on minimum wage

www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/national-minimum-wage-manual/nmwm11220

Scroll down to ‘Optional uniforms’ and look at Example 3.

I was thinking about having gone from 15p over the minimum to the minimum (albeit with a pay rise) and that’s what got me thinking about having to buy parts of my uniform. I seem to remember reading that some companies got fined for expecting staff who were being paid minimum wage to pay for uniform. Maybe I’m wrong, at least I’ve had a pay rise anyway.

Astarael, thank you, I’ll take a look. Not sure I’m brave enough to approach my employer about it though

Do you do overtime? If so is it paid?

NapQueen yeah they do provide trousers to others so I’ll ask but everyone buys their shoes. It’s just that they specify a certain shoe style and type, not just any shoes.

I'm on min wage with two shirts provided but black trousers and shoes are bought by me.

Do they have to be smart shoes? I'm living in shoezone pumps. Two for £8.

NapQueen, I don’t do overtime but others do. It’s paid at the same hourly rate up to a certain amount of hours then time and a half after that.

Goingalonenow, same as me, perhaps it’s okay then. Not going to be kicking up a fuss, I need my job. Just curious really. I get my everyday boots from
Shoezone and they do a shoe similar to the ones I buy for work but they’re not comfortable enough as I’m on my feet throughout my shifts. I do keep checking the budget shops and hopefully will find some soon.

I'm lucky, I can get away with pumps (on my feet all shift too) and they last reasonably well. If you have a poundland with a pep and co near you they have trousers that are a bargain.

Did you know you claim a higher tax allowance if you wear a uniform?
And claim a tax rebate?
I did
Just Google it it's easy to do